Moving to Hawaii

Shipping out and settling in. It will take some coordination. Here's where to get started.

Year after year, Hawaii earns recognition as one of the happiest and healthiest places in the U.S. to live. The aloha spirit, diversity of lifestyles, multi-cultural communities, the easy accessibility of outdoor activities--these are just a few factors that make Hawaii an amazing place to live. But, when you're thinking about packing up years of possessions, your pets, children, and maybe shipping a car or two, making the move you're dreaming of can seem daunting.

That's where our Relocation resources and experienced agents come in. We've seen it, many of us have done it, and several of us have shipped cats, and dogs, and, yes, even livestock to the Big Island. We're ready to point you in the right direction when it's your turn to plan your move.

These resources will help you get started:

Shipping a Vehicle to Hawaii

Matson and Pasha are two shipping companies to contact for information about vehicle transport. There are other service providers, but these are two of the best known. As of this writing, the cost to ship a vehicle from the West Coast to Hawaii starts at $1,100. It takes about a week for a car or truck to make the trip over.

Shipping Household Goods

Containers, pallets, shipping cubes. USPS or simply checking a few bags at the airport. What is best for you is a completely personal decision. Start in your hometown for the best information. Matson, Horizon Lines, Pasha, and, from Oahu, Young Brothers are all reputable companies that will get you started in the right direction.

Shipping Pets

Hawaii's animal quarantine laws have been in place since 1912 to ensure that rabies is not introduced to the Islands.

The Dog and Cat Import Form must be submitted along with all pre-arrival documents (two vaccination certificates, health certificate and pre-payments). This must be done no less than 10 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii, to qualify for the 5-day-or-less quarantine or for airport release. If the health certificate cannot be sent 10 days before arriving with the rest of the documents, the original must be given to the inspector upon arrival in Hawaii.